At a Glance
- Tasks: Support art collections and manage exciting refurbishment projects at the Royal Academy.
- Company: Join the historic Royal Academy of Arts, a leader in contemporary art.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellbeing services.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making art accessible to everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Engage in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Vacancy
Please note this role is being offered on a 22 month fixed term contract.
About This Role
The Royal Academy of Arts is seeking to recruit an Assistant Registrar & Collections Manager to join the RA Collections team on a two-year fixed-term contract at an exciting time as we embark on a major gallery refurbishment. The Assistant Registrar & Collections Manager will be responsible for supporting both the continuing work of the department during this period alongside the planning, preparation and implementation of the refurbishment project.
Duties will be split across registrar and collections management work as this role will support a range of collection activities. Our ideal candidate will be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail. You will be a natural communicator, proactive and with an ability to use your initiative.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will have sufficient experience in a similar role. You will have knowledge of collection management standards regarding packing, handling, transportation, insurance, display and environmental conditions. You will be comfortable using a collections management database such as CI+. A sharp attention to detail to maintain accurate records and ensure the safe movement of artworks is essential.
You will be discreet with an ability to maintain confidentiality and will have a flexible approach to work and a willingness to work across the Royal Academy\’s sites and out of hours where necessary.
You will have experience with best-practice security requirements and procedures for collections, in particular their storage and transportation. Previous certification as a \’Known Consignor\’ is desirable and a willingness to become certified is essential.
The Company
The RA dates way back to 1768 when a group of artists and architects persuaded King George lll to help them to \’establish a society for promoting the Art of Design\’. The original academy, in Pall Mall, was less than 10 meters long. Since then, there have been many changes, though the RA\’s core purpose of bringing art and design to a broad audience and championing art and artists still holds true.
Today we are a contemporary art organisation hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions and through investment in employee training and development, with courses such as Unconscious Bias, LGBTQ+ Awareness, Bystander, and Mental Health First Aid training, we are striving to foster a safe space for everyone through positive action. We also have Employee Network Groups, Ways In Groups, and an Employee Council so every employee has a voice and a way to feel heard by colleagues through the CEO.
The RA is truly a unique place, both as an attraction to our visitors, but also as a workplace. Our people are at the heart of all we do, and we support a broad and inspiring mix of departments; from exhibitions, curators, art handlers, researchers, publishers, and digital to schools and education, visitor welcome, fundraisers, and corporate support.
The Benefits
Exhibitions
Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
Enhanced Pension
Generous employer contributions
Enhanced Holiday
25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Wellbeing
Access to a virtual GP Service and Mental Health First Aiders
Agile Working
The opportunity to work flexibly
RA Staff Council
Where your views are heard and listened to
Employee Clubs
Football, Staff Choir and more
Assistant Registrar employer: Royal Academy of Arts
Contact Detail:
Royal Academy of Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Registrar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art and collections management field. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Royal Academy of Arts and its current projects. Show your enthusiasm for their mission and how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think about how your experience fits into the role of Assistant Registrar.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Assistant Registrar role. We want to see your application directly, so make sure you showcase your attention to detail and relevant experience in your submission!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Registrar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Registrar role. Highlight your relevant experience in collections management and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a sharp eye for detail, don’t shy away from showcasing examples of how you've maintained accurate records or handled artworks safely in your previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their meticulousness!
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for natural communicators who are proactive and can use their initiative. Share a bit about your passion for art and how it aligns with our mission at the Royal Academy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨Know Your Collections Management
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of collection management standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with packing, handling, and transportation of artworks, as well as any databases you've used like CI+. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires excellent attention to detail and organisation, prepare examples from your past work where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you maintained accurate records and ensured the safe movement of artworks, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a natural communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. During the interview, be proactive in sharing your ideas and experiences. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively within a team, which is crucial for the Assistant Registrar role.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the need for a flexible approach to work, think about times when you've had to adapt to changing circumstances. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to work across different sites and out of hours, as this shows your commitment to the role and the organisation.